Our History

Launched in 1998, Shepparton Show Me is the brainchild of a dedicated group of business owners from Shepparton’s central business district (CBD). Sharing a vision of Shepparton becoming the retail, commercial, entertainment and cultural heart of provincial Victoria, the group sought about achieving their vision by creating a character and identity exclusive to Shepparton.

The group, known as Super Shepparton, presented a detailed submission to Greater Shepparton City Council outlining a proposed marketing strategy. The strategy included applying a portion of a differential rate on properties within the CBD to fund promotion of Shepparton’s retail and commercial business sector. Development of the strategy included consultation with Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry and key Shepparton business operators.

Using the Super Shepparton submission and other proposals as their basis, Council’s Economic Development Department proceeded to develop Shepparton Show Me. Under Section 86 of the Local Government Act 1989, a Shepparton Show Me committee was established with the committee’s Instrument of Delegation and Guidelines outlining its specific functions and providing the guidelines for exercise of its delegated power.

In 2004, the Shepparton Show Me committee embarked on creating a unique identity for Shepparton. The animated ribbon branding with its purple and pink leaves was created and soon became synonymous with Shepparton Show Me. In December 2011, the current Shepparton Show Me logo was launched, representing a virtual explosion of colour and excitement from the central hub that is Shepparton – the heart of regional Victoria.

In the latter half of 2012, Shepparton Show Me underwent an extensive review following a motion put forward and carried at the Council meeting on 17 April 2012. The motion included a direction to Council officers to review and report, following consultation with representatives of Shepparton’s commercial and industrial sector, on the most appropriate arrangements for attracting retail and business consumers to Shepparton.

The recommendations of the reference group formed to undertake the review were presented for consideration at the Council meeting on 19 February 2013. A number of recommendations were adopted that serve to reinvigorate Shepparton Show Me into the future. The adopted recommendations were progressively incorporated into Shepparton Show Me’s operations throughout 2013 and the first half of 2014.